Is an Explorer unibody?
Yes. The modern Ford Explorer is built on a unibody platform, making it a unibody crossover, while earlier generations used body-on-frame construction. This shift reflects a broader industry move toward more efficient, comfortable family SUVs.
Understanding unibody vs. body-on-frame
Unibody construction integrates the body and frame into a single unit, improving ride quality, rigidity, and safety, while reducing weight. Body-on-frame uses a separate, rigid frame with the body mounted on top, which can offer rugged durability and true-truck towing capability. The Explorer’s evolution mirrors the industry trend from traditional body-on-frame SUVs to modern unibody crossovers.
Historical trajectory
The following timeline shows how Explorer construction evolved across generations.
- 1990–2010: Body-on-frame ladder-frame construction with traditional SUV styling and a more rugged, truck-like feel, including a live rear axle on many models.
- 2011–2020: Reintroduction as a unibody crossover on Ford’s unibody platform with independent rear suspension and modern safety/tech features.
- 2021–present: Continued unibody architecture with ongoing platform updates, enhanced efficiency, and updated driver-assistance and infotainment systems.
These years mark Ford’s pivot from a traditional frame under a body to a unitized, integrated structure that defines the Explorer’s current on-road character and day-to-day practicality.
Current design features and buyer considerations
Before diving into specifics, here is a look at what unibody construction means for the Explorer’s present design and what buyers should know.
Key design characteristics
In its latest generations, the Explorer sits on a single-piece unibody with shared architecture across Ford’s crossovers, and uses independent rear suspension to boost ride comfort and handling. All-wheel drive is available on most trims, and advanced safety systems are integrated into the structure.
- Shared unibody platform with other Ford crossovers, enabling parts commonality and efficiency.
- Independent rear suspension, improving ride quality and cargo space efficiency.
- Weight reduction relative to older body-on-frame designs, contributing to better fuel economy and handling.
- Enhanced safety through crumple zones and a stiffer overall structure designed to protect occupants in crashes.
- Towing capacity typically around 5,000–5,600 pounds, depending on engine and configuration; off-road capability remains solid but is not equal to dedicated body-on-frame SUVs.
For buyers, the unibody Explorer offers a smoother ride, better fuel economy, and modern technology, with a trade-off in extreme off-road durability compared with some traditional body-on-frame competitors.
Summary
The Ford Explorer is now a unibody crossover in its current form. While early generations (roughly 1990 through 2010) used a body-on-frame construction, Ford shifted to unibody construction beginning with the 2011 redesign. The unibody approach yields improved ride, efficiency, and safety, aligning the Explorer with most modern mid-size crossovers, while preserving everyday practicality and family-friendly utility.
